Newsletter No. 14

This newsletter provides updates and discussions related to PDP-8/OS/8 software and hardware in October 1975.

Key updates and concerns include:

• MACREL Project Stalled: Work on MACREL has stopped, and its inclusion in OS/8 version 4 is delayed, with resources redirected to address a substantial SPR (Software Problem Report) backlog. The upcoming OS/8 version 3B will focus solely on maintenance updates.
• Software Maintenance Issues: Users report significant problems with DEC's software bugs and slow, inadequate SPR service (e.g., 5-month response for a bug without a fix). A session at the Fall DECUS Symposium is planned with DEC representatives to discuss these support issues.
• MULTI-8 and ETOS Systems: Details on the MULTI-8 multi-user time-sharing system (J.F. Anthoni and E. Lopes Cardozo) are shared, highlighting its real-time foreground, multi-user background, proposed memory management unit, and a unique trap reduction scheme. EDUCOMP's ETOS, another multi-user OS/8 system, is also progressing well.

• Software Development and Contributions:

  • Paul Diegenbach offers to facilitate informal program exchanges in Europe and suggests a bi-annual list of updated library programs.
  • A comprehensive German FOCAL programming handbook by Rudi Stange is highlighted.
  • Several new programs are added to the DECUS library, including FORTRAN/SABR routines, learning algorithms, a VC8e handler, graphics packages, polynomial curve fitting, a magtape device handler, and file splitting/splicing utilities.
  • John Algeo developed random access I/O routines for OS/8 FORTRAN II.
  • Rev. Chase is working on triple-precision multiply/divide for FORTRAN II and has undocumented OS/8 programs.
  • Stanley R. Vivian released a modified, device-independent OS/8 Laboratory BASIC (detailed description and functions provided, along with hardware requirements).
  • Bob Phelps created a FORTRAN IV callable routine for runtime file manipulations.
  • OMSI expresses interest in developing PASCAL for the PDP-8.

• Bug Reports and Patches:

  • Walter C. Daugherity reported an OS/8 BASIC bug where large numerical constants are compiled incorrectly.
  • Bill Lemon found and provided a patch for a memory sizing bug in DECUS 8-747 (STAGE 2 & FLUB).
  • Norman R. Dotti detailed multiple FORTRAN IV problems, including a recurring CLOCK function bug and issues with DATA statements incorrectly initializing arrays, expressing strong dissatisfaction with DEC's PDP-8 support.
  • Lars Falmer reported an EXPIP version 7 bug (incorrect file size calculation) and provided a patch, also noting FPP-12 option problems for multi-user systems and several unaddressed FORTRAN IV compiler bugs.

• System Discussions and Standardization:

  • Jim Van Zee raised the question of continued support for older software versions (e.g., PS/8) given DEC's trend to not support new software on old machines.
  • Bill Haygood Jr. submitted a proposal for standardizing IOT codes for PDP-8 time-sharing and foreground/background systems, aiming for a unified user experience.

• Benchmarks: "Whetstone" benchmark tests were conducted across various hardware and language configurations to compare "number crunching" speeds, with results summarized in the newsletter.